1. Write down clear directions to your house, including any important landmarks, nearest  MRT station and bus numbers.

2. Ensure that your house is child safe:-

a) The power sockets should preferably be away from the touch of the children and covered. Unused sockets should be switched off.
b) All stoves should be switched off.
c) Unused electrical appliances should be switched off
d) If the house is located on higher floors, but there are no window grills, ensure that there is no furniture placed near the windows.
e) If the house is windy, the doors to the rooms should preferably be closed or have a stopper.
f) Sharp corners of the furniture should preferably be covered.
g) All appliances should be kept in the cupboards.
h) Decorative items should not be placed on the console.
i) Ensure that the floor is not cluttered with objects such as slippers, newspapers or items that the child may put in their mouths
j) Ensure that items like medications, creams, and any other sharp objects are out of touch from the children.

3. If you own a pet, lock the pet in the room or in a kitchen. It is not the responsibility of the sitter to look after the pet.

4. Provide your babysitter with your contact number, and an alternative name and a number of a neighbour that the babysitter can contact if the need arises. Prepare a list of emergency information as well as the name and contact number of your child's doctor.

5. Give the sitter a tour of your house, especially the rooms that the children will need. Do close and indicate the rooms that are off-limits.

6. Brief the babysitter about any allergies or medical conditions of the child, including the amount and timing of the medication.

7. Establish clear rules to be followed while you are absent (Refer to rules for children as reference).

8. Go over the daily routines, feeding and sleeping schedules that you normally follow. This will help the child in developing his/her daily routine.

9. Show the sitter the child’s favourite games or books.

10. Clarify what kind of discipline you are comfortable with. Refer to our suggested home rules for rules with the children.

11. Let your sitter know if you are comfortable with any visitors, if so how many.

12. Do include some food and drinks for the sitter.

13. Gather feedback from the sitter about the child. They are there to assist you in developing your child. Be open to the feedback given by the sitter.

14. If you are comfortable, invite your babysitter over before the first outing. Offer to pay for the sitter's time and watch how your child and the sitter interact.

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